Kilshannig capture the county junior football crown in real style

Kilshannig 0-22 St James 0-11 

KILSHANNIG captured their first Junior A Football County title since 1996 with this comprehensive triumph achieved against St James at Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday afternoon.

The Avondhu divisional outfit were inspired to junior county success for the third time in their history by senior inter-county star Killian O’Hanlon who produced a majestic performance. 

The influential captain was ably supported by his midfielder partner and brother Eanna. Kilshannig had star performers all over the field, including Conor McMahon who nailed six points from play, as they produced a very impressive display which enabled them cruise to a comfortable win.

Their midfield superiority established by the O’Hanlon brothers Killian and Eanna enabled them to assert their dominance on proceedings throughout. 

Kilshannig were a class apart. Their link up play was crisp and cohesive. The North Cork club are currently riding high on the crest of a wave, with their U21 A footballers also enjoying a great season. They will look forward to competing in the Munster junior championship with genuine confidence.

St James who were appearing in their first junior county final, fought gallantly throughout. Their spirit and character once again shone through in spades. They have enjoyed a wonderful championship oydssey and they will hope to bounce back next year.

St James started the game strongly as they opened the scoring in the 4th minute through Kevin O’Brien. Kilshannig soon settled however as they recorded three successive points which moved them two points clear after seven minutes. 

Kilshannig had extended their lead to five points by the 18th minute with ace attackers Kieran Twomey and Conor McMahon in particular very influential. Kilshannig inspired by the brilliance of Killian O’Hanlon who struck three superb long range scores, which enabled them to hold a five-point lead by the 29th minute. He gave a tour de force display throughout. 

St James reduced the deficit to four points at the interval following a Micheal McCarthy (D) point. Kilshannig led on a 0-11 to 0-7 scoreline at half-time.

St James started the second half in determined fashion as Paul O’Sullivan fisted over to reduce the deficit to three points. 

The response from Kilshannig was emphatic however as they produced a devastating attacking performance. They carved open an exposed Saints defence with alarming ease, but they were repelled by a series of outstanding saves by Diarmuid O’Donovan. Kilshannig struck a plethora of great scores in the second half, which ensured they cantered to a comfortable win.

Kilshannig captain Killian O’Hanlon was presented with the Donal O’Sullivan Cup by Cork GAA Chairperson Tracey Kennedy.

Scores for Kilshannig: C McMahon 0-6, K O’Hanlon 0-4, K Twomey 0-4 (0-3 f), E O’Hanlon 0-3, E O’Sullivan, B Guerin, C O’Shea and J Twomey 0-1 each.

St James: A O’Shea 0-4, 0-2 f, F Hayes 0-2, K O’Brien, M Evans, M McCarthy (D), P O’Sullivan, S O’Reilly 0-1 each.

KILSHANNIG: C O’Dea, C Murphy, E Burke, R O’Mahony, C O’Shea, B Guerin, B Curtin, E O’Hanlon, J Twomey, K Twomey, K O’Hanlon, E O’Sullivan, J Kearney, D Twomey, C McMahon.

Subs: B O’Shea for D Twomey (47), F McCarthy for E O’Sullivan (57), C Casey for R O’Mahony (59), K Flynn for C Murphy (59), J O’Hanlon for D Twomey (60), G Creedon for C O’Dea (60).

St JAMES: D O’Donovan, M McCarthy (B), E Feen, D Hayes, M McCarthy (D), K O’Leary, J O’Sullivan, P O’Sullivan, J O’Driscoll, A Hayes, J O’Sullivan, K O’Brien, F Hayes, M Evans, A O’Shea.

Subs: S O’Reilly for M Evans (41), C Hayes for P O’Sullivan (49), K O’Donovan for K O’Brien (52), T Nyhan for D Hayes (59).

Referee: Alan O’Connor (Ballygarvan).